Ryan Madson to sign with Oakland A’s

The Oakland Athletics have been quiet so far this offseason, but they made an impact move to improve the bullpen on Sunday. They have reportedly signed Ryan Madson to a three year, $22 Million deal. Madson had a resurrection last year with the Kansas City Royals, going 1-2 out of the bullpen with a 2.13 ERA in 63.1 innings pitched.

The A’s have made two bullpen acquisitions so far this offseason. They signed Rich Hill to a one year, $6M deal and acquired Liam Hendriks from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Jesse Chavez. The team didn’t perform up to expectations last year, going 68-94 and finishing last. They had made the playoffs in three consecutive seasons before 2015.

The bullpen revamp continues in the Bay Area. I question giving three years to a 35 year old pitcher. Zack Greinke, who recently signed with the Diamondbacks, wanted six years, but didn’t get that kind of offer from the Dodgers because he’s 32. If a team won’t give the amount of years wanted to one of, if not THE top pitcher in the game, why would you give three years to a reliever that’s three years older?